A new look Slice Construction Magic team is set to take the court for their opening match in the ANZ Premiership against the defending champion MG Mystics this Sunday at Globox Arena.
The team assembled last year and head coach Mary-Jane Araroa is really excited about how the group have come together in a short space of time.
“We’ve done a lot of work off the court in terms of connecting deep with each other so there’s a huge sense of knowing each other really well for a team that’s relatively new,” says Araroa.
The Magic will be captained by Samantha Winders and feature a wealth of experience with new players including Silver Ferns Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Bailey Mes, and Claire Kersten.
The team are aiming to play an explosive and dynamic style of netball utilising their speed on court and letting the flair of the players come through.
“There’s a real sense of wanting to play with each other’s strengths as opposed to going against it.”
As the team celebrates 25 years of elite netball leagues in Aotearoa, Araroa says the legacy of the Magic is hugely important to the team.
“We’ve had success and the lows as well as Magic. Our value pillars, we want to reignite and want to start living up to those strong Magic values. We’re really excited to still be a franchise involved after 25 years.”
Araroa is the only new coach ANZ Premiership in 2022 stepping up to the head coach role after three years as an assistant coach.
While she feels like she’s been “through the wringer” already she says every team has had their own challenges with current environment.
“I’m really grateful to my management team and Gary Dawson who has been a huge support system to me. I know I couldn’t have done this without them and the incredible players we have.”
“The team that adapts the quickest is the team that is going to forge ahead in this competition.”
